nonfiction blogging 2011

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Nonfiction Blogging in the English

ClassroomLynn Mittler

MICDS, St. Louis, MO

Overview

http://lynnmittler.wikispaces.com/

Your experiences

Challenges of blogging

Types of blogging

Andyp UK

Reasons for blogging

Develop thoughts

Exhibit understanding

Exercise writing and thinking skills

Develop an audience

Provide opportunity for feedback from teacher and/or peers

Learn from others

Why

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence

Agility and Adaptability

Initiative and Entrepreneurialism

Effective Oral and Written Communication

Assessing and Analyzing Information

Curiosity and Imagination

Why

Student Blogs: Assignment Based

http://blogs.micds.org/lmittler/

Student Generated Blogs

10th Grade Non-Fiction Assignment

Atlantic Monthly http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/current

Economist http://www.economist.com/

 Scope: What is the focus of the content of the magazine? Why types of articles does it include? What are the subjects of their blogs?

Purpose: What is the purpose of this magazine? To persuade the reader to do something? Inform the reader? Prove something?

Audience: Who is the intended audience for this magazine? How can you tell?

Objectivity: What point of view does the magazine and its writers represent? Are there topics or advertisements that help you determine this?

 On your personal blog, assess the scope, purpose, audience and objectivity of each of the five sites that you visit.

Student Generated Blogs

Further Steps:

Close Reading of Magazine

Business Proposal

White Fella

Student Generated Blogs

Requirements:•Each post is between 350-500 words; make sure to tag it nonfiction•Each post contains hotlinks to at least three things you reference•Each post references at least one other source on your topic or source that inspired your post•Each post contains at least two quotes from sources or other experts on your topic•Each post is carefully proofread, edited and revised•Each post contains an image that is obtained with creative commons licensing and is appropriately cited. The image should enhance your message. (something representational or symbolic, not just a direct image)

Images can be obtained at: Creativecommons.orgCompfight.com (make sure creative commons images are selected)

Student Generated Blogs

Student Generated Blogs

Personal Interest Student Blogs

Student Generated Blogs

Student Generated Blogs

The Art of Commenting

Takes training just like any other skill

Be clear on your expectations of these comments: purpose, language, frequency

Help students avoid the “critical” comment

Require students to offer “something new” to the discussion

Assessing and Scaffolding

Structure takes time to build

Has to be meaningful to students

Feedback must offer new things to consider

Great resource on the wiki

Podcasts: Garageband

Podcast: Audacity

Podcast Requirements Requirements:Each podcast will be between 3-5 minutes long.Podcasts will be produced on computers in Olson 218 using Garageband.Podcasts will be written and rehearsed in advance.Students will listen to previous podcasts in order to not repeat previously recorded material.Make sure to cite any material you use in your research for your podcast. In addition to the completed podcast file (.mp3), you will submit your script and any works cited necessary. Suggestions:Listen to other podcasts from other sources to determine what you find appealing. Listen to how others bring their topics alive. Make an outline of the elements of your story you want to communicate. Consider arranging the order of your story in a way that will capture your listener’s attention. Perhaps start in the middle of the story, go back to the beginning to offer background information and then return to the finish. Consider recording smaller chunks to as to avoid mistakes as you speak.Feel free to interview or add music, if appropriate, to vary your podcast.

Getting the word out:Creating Audience

Frogmiller

PLN: Twitter

PLN: Twitter

PLN: Twitter

Modeling: Teacher Blog

Creating a blog

Creating a blog

Creating a blog

Creating a blog: elements

Voice

Hotlinks

Images: compfight.com

Length

Mr. Geoff

Following Blogs

Students

others

RSS Feeds

RSS Feeds

RSS Feeds

RSS Feeds

RSS Feeds

RSS Feeds

Have a great summer!

Keep thinking

Surf around

Write your own

Ben Heine